Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Women’s Championship 2023-24 Season Saturday, 2 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Crystal Palace Women The 2023/24 Women’s Championship season looks set to be close and unpredictable! On the first weekend alone, Blackburn Rovers beat one of the favourites Birmingham City, Southampton were the only side to score more than one goal as they won 4-1 at Lewes, whilst the other four matches ended in draws with Sheffield United and Crystal Palace scoring late equalisers. The fight to be champions with promotion spot to the WSL and to avoid the two relegation places looks like it could be thrilling. Reading and Watford join the league for this season replacing Bristol City and Coventry United (now Rugby Borough). Four of the clubs have new managers for this season, with perhaps the most interesting appointment being that of former Italian international and Italy, Canada, Lazio and AC Milan manager Carolina Morace at London City Lionesses. There have been a lot of player movements in the Championship and the full list for each side can be seen below in the club information. London City Lionesses have seen the biggest turnover with 16 players leaving and 13 joining. After relegation from the WSL, Reading announced they will be operating under a part-time model for this season. Sheffield United announced during the summer they will begin the transition towards operating a full-time playing model, whilst Sunderland have adop ted a hybrid playing model for the 2023/24 season. Here is information about all 12 sides in the league including where they play, links for tickets, social media accounts, and all the comings and goings during the summer (correct as of Saturday 2nd September 2023). Birmingham City Ground – St Andrew’s Stadium B9 4RL Tickets – Event Tickets List - Online ticket office ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @BCFCWomen Instagram - bcfcwomen Manager – Darren Carter Last season – 2nd Women’s Championship Players joined – Ellie Mason (Lewes), Charlie Devlin (Leicester City), Charlotte Clarke (Liverpool), Katie Dungate (Chelsea), Remi Allen (Aston Villa), Neve Herron (Sunderland), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Jade Moore (Manchester United) Players left – Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Durham), Lily Simkin, Mollie Green (Nottingham Forest), Harriet Scott (retired), Lucy Jones (West Bromwich Albion – dual registration) Blackburn Rovers Ground – Lancashire FA County Ground PR25 2LF (Clubs main ground - Ewood Park BB2 4JF) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @RoversWFC Instagram - roverswfc Manager – Simon Parker Last season – 10th Women’s Championship Players joined – Chloe Williams (Manchester United), Niamh Murphy (Manchester United), Tyler Toland (Levante), Georgia Walters (Sheffield United), Lucy Shepherd (London City Lionesses), Hannah Silcock (Liverpool – loan) Players left – Camilla Kur (retired), Ellie Leek (Stoke City), Saffron Jordan (Stoke City), Natasha Fenton (Sunderland), Chloe Dixon (Nottingham Forest), Kayleigh McDonald (Stoke City) Charlton Athletic Ground – The Oakwood DA1 4EU (Clubs main ground – The Valley SE7 8BL) Tickets – Buy Tickets: Charlton Athletic Ticketing ( cafc.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @CAFCWomen Instagram - cafcwomen Manager – Karen Hills Last season – 4th Women’s Championship Players joined – Kate Longhurst (West Ham United), Sian Rogers (Aston Villa), Kayleigh Green (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elisha N’Dow (Aston Villa), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes), Carla Humphrey (Liverpool), Karin Muya (London City Lionesses), Freya Godfrey (Arsenal – loan) Players left – Lauren Bruton (retired), Alex Hennessy (Billericay Town), Corinne Henson (Watford), Emma Folis, Emily Simpkins (retired), Poppy Soper (Ipswich Town – loan), Heidi Logan (Stoke City – loan) Crystal Palace Ground – VBS Community Stadium SM1 2EY (Clubs main ground – Selhurst Park SE25 6PU) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @cpfc_w Instagram – cpfc_w Manager – Laura Kaminski Last season – 5th Women’s Championship Players joined – Lia Cataldo (Bristol City), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Shanade Hopcroft (London City Lionesses), Keira Berry (Manchester United – loan), Araya Dennis (Arsenal) Players left – Rianna Dean (Southampton), Hollie Olding (Lewes), Emily Wilson-White, Lizzie Waldie (Hearts), Coral-Jade Haines (Watford) Durham Ground – Maiden Castle DH1 3SE Tickets – Durham Women FC ( ticketco.events ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @DurhamWFC Instagram - durhamwfc Manager – Lee Sanders Last season – 7th Women’s Championship Players joined – Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Birmingham City), Amy Andrews (Western Illinois University), Abby Holmes (Sunderland) Players left – Maria Farrugia (Lewes), Rio Hardy (Rangers), Bridget Galloway (Newcastle United), Hannah Greenwood (Newcastle United) Lewes Ground – The Dripping Pan BN7 2XA Tickets – Buy tickets for Lewes Football Club ( tickettailor.com ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @LewesFCWomen Instagram - lewesfcwomen Manager – Scott Booth Last season – 9th Women’s Championship Players joined – Caragh Hamilton (Glentoran), Anna Grey (Ipswich Town), Maria Farrugia (Durham), Sarah Brasero-Carreira (Ipswich Town), Hollie Olding (Crystal Palace), Grace Riglar (Sheffield United), Grace Garrad (Stabaek), Kate Oakley (Liverpool), Shauna Vassell (London Bees), Reanna Blades (Chelsea – loan) Players left – Izzy Dalton (Perth Glory), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City), Paula Howells (Saltdean United), Rebecca McKenna (Charlton Athletic), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Newcastle United), Emily Kraft (Southampton), Nat Johnson (Nottingham Forest) London City Lionesses Ground – Princes Park DA1 1RT Tickets – Single Match & Season Tickets | London City Lionesses Social Media – X (Twitter) - @LC_Lionesses Instagram - londoncitylionesses Manager – Carolina Morace Last season – 3rd Women’s Championship Players joined – Connie Scofield (Leicester City), Sophie Hillyerd (West Ham United), Tinaya Alexander (Reading), Georgia Brougham, Paige Satchell (Wellington Phoenix), Sonia O’Neill (Turbine Potsdam), Grace Moloney (Reading), Niamh Farrelly (Parma Calcio), Emma Mukandi (Reading), Danielle Carter (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Aston Villa), Maddi Wilde (Bristol City – loan) Players left – Shae Yanez (San Diego Wave), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Harley Bennett (Watford), Charlotte Fleming (Watford), Carly Girasoli (Hearts), Katie Kitching (Sunderland), Anna Pedersen, Lucy Shepherd (Blackburn Rovers), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Shanade Hopcroft (Crystal Palace), Sarah Ewens (Rangers), Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Atlanta Primus (Southampton), Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Karin Muya (Charlton Athletic) Reading Ground – Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL Tickets – Buy Tickets: Reading FC Ticketing Social Media – X (Twitter) - @ReadingFCWomen Instagram - readingwomenfc Manager – Liam Gilbert Last season – 12th Women’s Super League Players joined – Charlie Estcourt (Birmingham City), Ava Kuyken (Hibernian), Rose Kite (Oxford United), Rachel Dugdale (Rugby Borough), Georgia Wilson (Aab Kvinder), Emily Orman (Chelsea – loan), Josie Longhurst (Lewes) Players left – Emma Mukandi (London City Lionesses), Faye Bryson, Chloe Peplow (Southampton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Becky Jane, Amalie Eikeland (SK Brann), Emma Harries (West Ham United), Gemma Evans (Manchester United), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton), Natasha Dowie, Deanne Rose, Tinaya Alexander (London City Lionesses), Hannah Poulter (Southern California University), Rachel Rowe (Rangers) Sheffield United Ground – Bramall Lane S2 4SU Tickets – Buy Tickets: Sheffield United Ticketing ( sufc.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @sufc_women Instagram – sufc_women Manager – Jonathan Morgan Last season – 8th Women’s Championship Players joined – Sophie Barker (Leicester City), Jess Sigsworth (Leicester City), Isobel Goodwin (Rugby Borough), Ashley Hodson (Liverpool), Jodie Hutton (Bristol City), Ella Kinzett (Manchester United), Fran Stenson (Arsenal), Tara Bourne (Manchester United), Olivia Page (Eastern Suburbs AFC), Alanta Brown (Burnley), Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro (London Bees), Ellie May (Burnley) Players left – Ellie Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nina Wilson (Hibernian), Georgia Walters (Blackburn Rovers), Grace Riglar (Lewes), Naomi Hartley, Mia Enderby (Liverpool), Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Alethea Paul (Burnley), Rhema Lord-Mears (Burnley) Southampton Ground – St Mary’s Stadium SO14 5FP Tickets – Men | Fixture Listing | Southampton FC Official Site Social Media – X (Twitter) - @SaintsFCWomen (matchday)/@SouthamptonFC Instagram - saintsfcwomen Manager – Marieanne Spacey-Cale Last season – 6th Women’s Championship Players joined – Chloe Peplow (Reading), Rianna Dean (Crystal Palace), Emily Kraft (Lewes), Molly Pike (Leicester City), Jemma Purfield (Leicester City), Isabel Milne (Chelsea), Atlanta Primus (London City Lionesses), Emma Thompson (Chelsea) Players left – Georgie Freeland (Portsmouth), Phoebe Williams (Oxford United), Ella Pusey, Beth Lumsden (Portsmouth), Ella Hunkin Sunderland Ground – Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground DH5 9NA (Clubs main ground – Stadium of Light SR5 1SU) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @SAFCWomen Instagram - safcwomen Manager – Mel Reay Last season – 11th Women’s Championship Players joined – Mary McAteer (Rugby Borough), Katie Kitching (London City Lionesses), Natasha Fenton (Blackburn Rovers), Jenna Dear (Valerenga), Amy Goddard (Oxford United), Ellen Jones (Leicester City) Players left – Abbey Joice (retired), Abby Towers (Middlesbrough), Danielle Brown, Allison Cowling, Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Emma Kelly (Newcastle United), Neve Herron (Birmingham City), Nicki Gears, Tyler Dodds (Newcastle United), Abby Holmes (Durham) Watford Ground – Grosvenor Vale HA4 6JQ (Clubs main ground – Vicarage Road Stadium WD18 0ER) Tickets – Buy Tickets: Watford FC Ticketing Social Media – X (Twitter) - @WatfordFCWomen Instagram - watfordfcwomen Manager – Damon Lathrope Last season – 1st Women’s National League Players joined – Ellie Head (Arsenal), Harley Bennett (London City Lionesses), Coral-Jade Haines (Crystal Palace), Abbie Lafayette (Ipswich Town), Lucia Leon (Real Betis), Corinne Henson (Charlton Athletic), Carly Johns (Oxford United), Charlotte Fleming (London City Lionesses), Olivia Clark (Bristol City – loan), Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal – dual registration), Laila Harbert (Arsenal – dual registration), Katie Reid (Arsenal – dual registration) Players left – Helen Ward (retired), Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Emily Wallace, Faye Brough (Elfen), Georgie Ferguson (Stoke City), Nicola Gibson (AFC Wimbledon)

Aston Villa midfielder Remi Allen suffers ACL injury at the end of the season Back Remi Allen picks up injury Aston Villa midfielder Remi Allen suffers ACL injury at the end of the season The FA 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Aston Villa’s Remi Allen has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and misses the remainder of the season. The 31-year-old midfielder is due to undergo surgery in the coming weeks. Allen, who joined from Leicester City last summer, has scored five goals in 22 games in her first campaign with Villa. News

It was a welcome return for Laura Wienroither at Meadow Park as the Gunners beat Bristol City 5-0 Back Match Report Debuts and returns: Arsenal are victorious over Bristol City It was a welcome return for Laura Wienroither at Meadow Park as the Gunners beat Bristol City 5-0 Arsenal Women 15 April 2024 By Paul Donegan Arsenal were convincing 5-0 winners over struggling Bristol City on Sunday evening at Meadow Park in the Women’s Super League. Beth Mead and Alessia Russo scored two each whilst Ella Powell put the ball into her own net for the Gunners other goal. The visitors played with a back five, and one of these, Amy Rodgers, made a good tackle to stop an early Arsenal attack. Arsenal did take the lead in the 7th minute when Caitlin Foord cut in from the left and saw her effort hit the post but Mead was there to put the rebound into the net. Brooke Aspin blocked a Steph Catley effort behind for a corner in the 11th minute. From the resulting corner, the ball found Victoria Pelova on the edge of the area, she took a touch and sent a shot crashing off the crossbar. Lotte Wubben-Moy intercepted a through ball from Ffion Morgan before it could reach its target in the 18th minute as the Robins looked to attack. Stina Blacksteinus was denied by a good save from Fran Bentley when she shot at goal a minute later. Russo saw a shot saved shortly after, then Blackstenius was just unable to get her foot on a low cross as the home side looked to add a second. In the 25th minute, Arsenal captain Kim Little, who had a fantastic game, sent a thunderous shot from just outside the area narrowly over. A few minutes later, Russo’s shot from 20-yards was easily claimed by Bentley. Some nice build up from Arsenal finished with Pelova shooting wide on the half hour mark. Mead made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute when after her initial shot had been blocked on the line, she fired in the rebound from close range. Two minutes later, it was 3-0 when Catley’s cross from the left side deflected off Powell and looped over the goalkeeper into the back of her own net. Bristol City’s Morgan saw an effort go well over in the 37th minute with what was their first attempt at goal of the match. City’s defence was having difficulty clearing the ball at times as Arsenal put pressure on. Sarah Stratigakas saw a header go just wide via a deflection, then Wubben-Moy was again there to stop a cross from the visitors as the end of the first half approached. Emily Fox had the Gunners first shot of the second half in the 51st minute but this was easily gathered by Bentley, then Mead shot over. At the other end, Catley made an important tackle as Emily Syme was threatening the Gunners goal before Sabrina D’Angelo kept out Amalie Thestrup’s effort. In the 59th minute, Russo scored Arsenal’s fourth with a shot from the edge of the area that was too powerful for Bentley to keep out. Both Mead and Little forced the visitors goalkeeper to make saves as the Gunners looked to extend their lead further. In the 68th minute, Bentley made a brilliant save when she tipped over Fox’s effort from the edge of the area. Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer Rachel Furness came on as a substitute for Bristol City after a spell out injured. There was a scramble in the Arsenal penalty area following a Robins corner before the ball was cleared. Second half substitute, Katie McCabe, passed to Russo who shot into the back of the net from just inside the area to score her second of the night and Arsenal’s fifth in the 73rd minute. Russo was looking to score a hat-trick but her powerful shot in the 77th minute was blocked by the foot of Aspin. Russo then dinked the ball wide four minutes later as she went close again to scoring her third. Laura Wienroither came on in the 81st minute to a great reception for her first appearance since rupturing her ACL last May. 17-year-old Katie Reid came on a bit later to make her senior Arsenal debut. The Gunners had the final chance of the match when Blackstenius was denied by Bentley, whose saves had helped keep the score down. Arsenal remain in third position in the WSL, six points off top spot but nine points clear of fourth with four games left so looking good to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League next season. Bristol City stay bottom, seven points from safety with the same amount of games left and not having won in 13 league games. Line-ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo, Fox (Wienroither 81’), Williamson (Reid 87’), Wubben-Moy, Catley, Pelova, Little (c), Mead (McCabe 63’), Russo, Foord (Lacasse 63’), Blackstenius Unused substitutes: Zinsberger, Goldie, Lia, Goals – Mead 7’, 32’, Powell (o.g.) 34’, Russo 59’, 73’ Bristol City (5-4-1) : Bentley, Powell (Bull 69’), Rodgers, Aspin, Connolly (c), Napier, Morgan, Syme (Furness 69’), Stratigakis (Layzell 69’), Thestrup, Evans (Ward 79’) Unused substitutes: Yanez, Struck, Clark, Jones, Slocombe Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance – 3,565

They Don't Teach This by Eni Aluko They Don't Teach This They Don't Teach This by Eni Aluko Eni Aluko: 102 appearances for England women's national football team. First female pundit on Match of the Day. UN Women UK ambassador. Guardian columnist. First class honors law degree. Now an inspirational author. They Don't Teach This steps beyond the realms of memoir to explore themes of dual nationality and identity, race and institutional prejudice, success, failure and faith. It is an inspiring manifesto to change the way readers and the future generation choose to view the challenges that come in their life applying life lessons with raw truths of Eni's own personal experience. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/They-Dont-Teach-Eniola-Aluko/dp/1529112850/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_2_4/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=YxKRu&content-id=amzn1.sym.b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_p=b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_r=MB06SSD6DNMKTJMZJGMW&pd_rd_wg=3q2mA&pd_rd_r=60e070ce-d748-43c8-92b0-b4383011aef4&pd_rd_i=1529112850&psc=1

Arsenal's number 3 signs personal new deal with childhood club Back Lotte Wubben-Moy – a true Gooner Arsenal's number 3 signs personal new deal with childhood club Arsenal FC 7 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy has signed a new contract with the club for an undisclosed term. The 23-year-old returned to North London in September 2020 after a spell playing in college football in the States and has since made 61 appearances and scored five goals for the Gunners. Adding her own personal touch, Wubben-Moy’s new contract also has a clause pertaining to the players commitment to working closely with Arsenal in the Community. Wubben-Moy commented, “it’s a commitment to the club and it’s a commitment to Arsenal, the community that it’s active in and to my life as a whole, because that’s what Arsenal is – it’s my life.” News

England vs The Netherlands Photographer Adam Mitten The Lionesses made a huge comeback at Wembley Stadium as they beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Charlton Athletic suffer first loss of the season in 2-0 defeat Back Match Report Charlton suffer defeat at the hands of London City Charlton Athletic suffer first loss of the season in 2-0 defeat CAFC Women 16 October 2024 By Paul Donegan London City Lionesses inflicted Charlton Athletic’s first Women’s Championship defeat of the season with a 2-0 win on Sunday at Hayes Lane. Isobel Goodwin and Sofia Jakobsson scored the goals for the Pride against their London rivals as they moved up to second spot in the league, level on points with the Addicks and top of the table Birmingham City. Beth Roe hit the crossbar with a curling shot in the first 30 seconds for the Addicks then Melisa Filis’ low shot a couple of minutes later was easily claimed by Emily Orman. London City’s first opportunity came in the 7th minute when Goodwin headed over a corner. Filis forced Orman into making a save in the 10th minute before the hosts broke quickly but the attack finished with Sophie Whitehouse catching a cross. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah then headed over a corner for the Pride. Goodwin couldn’t control the ball in front of goal before Boye-Hlorkah fired over as the home side had the next chances in the 16th minute. Goodwin then saw her shot deflected into the keepers hands. Karin Muya’s low shot went across goal and wide as the visitors had the next opportunity in the 19th minute. Jakobsson saw an effort blocked for London City following a corner as the chances kept on coming. Filis shot from just outside the area went wide for the Addicks in the 26th minute. At the other end, Boye-Hlorkah was unable to get on the end of Kosovare Asllani’s cross. Two minutes later, Jodie Hutton got forward on the left-hand side and sent a dipping effort narrowly over for the away side. A succession of corners from the hosts in the 36th minute caused Charlton problems with the ball eventually going over off the crossbar for a goal kick. Whitehouse made a tremendous save in first half stoppage time to tip over Asllani’s 25-yard effort as the hosts went close to going ahead before the break. Asllani had the first chance of the second half in the first minute of it but fired over for the Pride before Hutton missed the target for the Addicks in the 50th minute. London City Lionesses took the lead in this London derby in the 54th minute when Jakobsson won the ball in Charlton’s penalty area and her cross was headed into the net by Goodwin from 6-yards. Three minutes later, Hutton shot over for the visitors from outside the area whilst Asllani did the same at the other end in the 59th minute. Emma Mukandi made a great tackle in the area to stop Muya getting a shot away as the Addicks looked for an equaliser. Orman then denied Atlanta Primus from close range. Whitehouse got down to save Boye-Hlorkah 25-yard shot in the 65th minute. Goodwin then volleyed over from the edge of the area at the midpoint of the second half for the home side. In the 73rd minute, London City doubled their lead when they attacked quickly and Asllani’s lovely through ball found Jakobsson who finished past Whitehouse. Two minutes later, Roe’s dipping effort from the right-hand side had to be pushed over by Orman. Princess Ademiluyi put the Addicks next opportunity well over then Filis saw her free kick saved in the 89th minute. Katie Bradley had a long-range shot saved for the visitors in the first minute of stoppage time before the hosts broke quickly again but this time the attack came to nothing. The win sees London City continue their unbeaten home start to the season whilst the defeat sees Charlton lose away from home for the first time in 539 days in the league. Line ups London City Lionesses (4-2-3-1): Orman, Wilde (Neville 77’), Goldie, Henson, Mukandi, Meyong, Brougham, Jakobsson (Fitzgerald 77’), Asllani (c) (Mengyu 90’+3), Boye-Hlorkah (Imuran 84’), Goodwin Unused substitutes: Moloney, Scofield, Marashi, Brown Goals – Goodwin 54’, Jakobsson 73’ Booked – Jakobsson, Asllani, Fitzgerald Charlton Athletic (3-4-3): Whitehouse, Skeels (c), N’Dow, Newsham, Roe (O’Rourke 81’), Bashford (Ademiluyi 68’), Primus (Bradley 81’), Hutton, Muya, Barton (Humphrey 84’), Filis Unused substitutes: Gray, Pearse, Siber Booked – Hutton, Muya Referee – Lauren Whiteman Attendance – 1,239

Another confident win for Chelsea as they cruise eight goals past the Foxes Back Match Report WSL: Leicester City v Chelsea Another confident win for Chelsea as they cruise eight goals past the Foxes Leicester City Women 5 December 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea convincingly beat bottom of the table Leicester City 8-0 at a cold and occasional rainy King Power Stadium to return to the top of the Women’s Super League after being displaced earlier in the day. Guro Reiten and Jessie Fleming scored two goals each, and the other scorers were Fran Kirby, Niamh Charles, Sam Kerr and Bethany England. Emma Hayes’ 300th game as manager of Chelsea got off to a good start as they took the lead in the 4th minute when Kirby set up Reiten to score. Kirby had a chance to extend the visitors lead but her low shot was saved by a diving Demi Lambourne in the 10th minute. The away side did make it 2-0 in the 13th minute when Reiten passed back to Fleming who finished from 6-yards. Chelsea had another opportunity two minutes later, but Kerr went too wide after going past the goalkeeper. Kirby passed to Kerr in the 17th minute, but her shot went just wide. There next chance came in the 32nd minute but Lambourne got to the ball before Kirby after some nice build up play. Two minutes after that the Blues broke forward, Kirby passed to Kerr but her shot hit the outside of the post. Chelsea scored a flurry of goals just before half time. In the 39th minute, Kirby made it 3-0 with an outside of the boot finish. Two minutes later, Niamh Charles headed in a corner to made it 4-0. In the final minute of the half, a nice move was finished by Sam Kerr to make it 5-0. Reiten assisted all three of these goals to bring it up to four assists and a goal for the Norwegian during the first half. Leicester had their first shot at goal of the match in 48th minute from half time substitute Natasha Flint. Chelsea made it 6-0 in the 50th minute. A cross was cleared only as far as Fleming who scored her second goal of the day when her shot found the back of the net. The home side were creating a few more chances in the early stages of the second half with Aileen Whelan’s shot from the edge area forcing Ann-Katrin Berger to dive to make a save in the 55th minute. Berger was forced to make a better save five minutes later when she tipped over Flint’s shot. A couple of minutes after that, there was a scramble in the Chelsea penalty area which ended when the ball was blasted over by Molly Pike as Leicester looked for a consultation goal. Reiten came close to adding to her total of goals and assists but her shot went into the side netting in the 66th minute. Second half substitute Jelena Cankovic then shot wide for the Blues in the 72nd minute. Two second half substitutes combined in the 75th minute as Chelsea scored their seventh goal when England headed in an Alsu Abdullina cross. It was 8-0 in the 82nd minute when Kirby finished from close range to score her second goal of the game. The visitors had two late chances as they looked to match last season’s 9-0 win at the King Power but a header from a corner was saved in the 87 minute, then Lambourne stopped an effort from England in injury time. Chelsea remain three points clear of Manchester United and Arsenal after the weekend’s matches, though they have played a game more than those two. Willie Kirk’s Leicester are still pointless and are now seven points adrift at the bottom of the WSL. Leicester’s next match is on Thursday when they are away to Sunderland in the Conti Cup. Their next league game is on Sunday when they travel to Liverpool. Chelsea are in UEFA Women’s Champions League action on Thursday evening when they travel to play Real Madrid before they return to Kingsmeadow to play Reading next Sunday evening in the WSL. Line ups Leicester City (4-3-3): Lambourne, Simon (Bott 46’), Howard, Brougham, Purfield (Vance 78’), Whelan (c), Tierney (Smith 83’), Pike, Goodwin (Cain 76’), C. Jones, Baker (Flint 46’) Unused substitutes: Levell, E. Jones, Robinson, Scofield Booked – Tierney 36’ Chelsea (4-3-3): Berger, Perisset (Carter 74’), Bright, Eriksson (c) (Nouwen 74’), Charles, Ingle, Fleming (Cankovic 63’), Kirby, Rytting Kaneryd, Kerr (England 63’), Reiten (Abdullina 74’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, James, Svitkova, Cuthbert Goals – Reiten 4’, Fleming 13’ 50’, Kirby 39’ 82’, Charles 41’, Kerr 45’, England 75’ Referee – Amy Fearn

Lionesses: Gamechangers by Abdullah Abdullah Lionesses: Gamechangers Lionesses: Gamechangers by Abdullah Abdullah England's emphatic victory at the 2022 women's Euros has been called a watershed moment both for the team and for women's football. But can this talented side prove their mettle on the biggest stage of all and achieve World Cup glory in 2023? Tactical writer Abdullah Abdullah once again lifts the lid on a women's footballing institution, this time through an international lens - deconstructing match tactics, analysing player performances and assessing the key improvements made in Sarina Wiegman's time in charge. Abdullah explores the standout tactical profiles from the current generation, including Fran Kirby and Lucy Bronze as well as the future crop, like Leah Williamson and wunderkind Lauren Hemp. This book dives into the specifics of how this iteration of the Lionesses can perform at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Will this be the moment they shed their status as perennial challengers and prove they are the best team in the world? Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BXFKKVQ1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Reading vs Charlton Athletic Photographer Ryan Asman Points were shared at the Select Leasing Stadium between Reading and visitors Charlton Athletic. Despite the Royals going down to 10 players and a possession-laden game from the Addicks, neither side could break the deadlock earning both goalkeepers those all important clean sheets. Our photographer Ryan Asman captured the all the action.

Charlton and Durham take a point apiece after late goals at the Oakwood Back Match Report Late drama in the Championship as the Wildcats secure an equaliser ten minutes into stoppage time Charlton and Durham take a point apiece after late goals at the Oakwood Durham FC Women 10 October 2023 By Paul Donegan Charlton Athletic and Durham drew 1-1 in the Women’s Championship on Sunday at The Oakwood. Both goals came late in the match with Sarah Robson heading the visitors into the lead in the 85th minute before Kayleigh Green equalised for the Addicks from the penalty spot 10 minutes into stoppage time. Charlton started the brighter of the two in the opening 10 minutes but Durham defended well. The hosts also had a succession of early corners that came to nothing. The Addicks first attempt on target came in the 12th minute but Mary Bashford’s long-range shot was easily caught by the Wildcats goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders. Carla Humphrey saw her effort go wide two minutes later as the home side continued their good start. The visitors best form of attack in the early stages was on the break, and their first chance came in the 16th minute when after one of these attacks they won a corner which was headed wide by Lauren Briggs. Seconds later they had another opportunity when Eleanor Ryan-Doyle saw her header go over. Six minutes later, Briggs’ shot from 25-yards was stopped by the hosts keeper Jessica Gray. After the Wildcats goalkeeper went down injured in the 23rd minute, there was a drinks/tactical break on what was a very warm and sunny afternoon in Crayford. The rest of the first half was a bit quieter chances wise with Charlton appeals for a penalty being turned down by referee Grace Lowe in the 32nd minute. The visitors were still defending well, and they had the final chances of the first half in injury time with Robson being denied by Gray, then the Addicks goalkeeper made a superb save to tip over Sarah Wilson’s shot from the edge of the area. The away side had the first opportunities after the break as well but Ryan-Doyle’s shot went well over in the 51st minute. Five minutes later, there was a scramble following a corner with Gray doing well to stop the ball crossing the line. Robson made a vital block to stop the ball reaching Melissa Johnson as the hosts attacked. Shortly after, Johnson cut in from the right but shot straight at Saunders as the Addicks had their first attempt at goal in the second half in the 63rd minute. Amy Andrews had the Wildcats next chance in the 70th minute when she cut in but saw her shot saved. Robson was having an excellent game for Durham as she continued to make vital interventions to stop Charlton attacks and clear attempts at goal. Second half substitute Saoirse Noonan saw her free kick from 25 yards deflected over for the away side. From the resulting corner, Robson headed in to give Durham the lead with five minutes remaining. Freda Ayisi sent an effort across goal for the Addicks that was cleared in the fourth minute of injury time. Robson went down injured a few minutes later and was unable to continue meaning the Wildcats had to play the remainder of the match with 10 players as they had used all their substitutes. Charlton were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time after Green was brought down in the area by Wilson. Green stepped up herself to take the spot kick and put the ball low into the corner of the net to score a very late equaliser. There was still time for both sides to have chances to win the match with the visitors Poppy Pritchard putting an effort high and wide, whilst Lois Roche shot over from close-range for the home side. After 15 minutes of additional time, the referee blew the final whistle as the match ended in a draw. Both sides are in Conti Cup action on Wednesday evening when Charlton travel north of the river to play WSL side West Ham, whilst Durham are at home to league rivals Blackburn. Next Sunday in the Championship, the Addicks go to the Lancashire FA County ground to take on Blackburn, and the Wildcats are on their travels again with a trip to Southampton. Line ups Charlton Athletic: Gray, McKenna, Johnson (Ross 73’), Addison (Ayisi 62’), Humphrey (Muya 88’), Longhurst (c) (F. Godfrey 62’), Green, Skeels, Bashford (Roche 88’), O’Rourke, Roe Unused substitutes: Rogers, Bell, H. Godfrey Goal – Green (pen) 90’+10 Booked – Humphrey, F. Godfrey Durham: Saunders, Briggs (Lambert 69’), S. Wilson (c), Robson, Andrews (Noonan 76’), Crosthwaite (Clarke 69’), Salicki, Bradley, Pritchard, Ryan-Doyle, Holmes (E. Wilson 89’) Unused substitutes: Mcaloon, Nicholson Goal – Robson 85’ Booked – Ryan-Doyle, S.Wilson Referee – Grace Lowe

Thoughts on: Danielle Carter Thoughts on: Danielle Carter Carter Back 13 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Once a Gunner... Ben Hoskins As Arsenal’s longest serving player, Danielle Carter’s announcement that she will be leaving the club has come as a bit of a shock. With injuries having kept her off the pitch, it is safe to say it has been a frustrating couple of years for the striker. Torn ACL’s are the Achilles heel of women’s sport. The knee injury is not just a tear to the joint, it is a tear from one’s livelihood. Typically requiring surgery, followed by extensive physiotherapy, the recovery to full fitness is not for the faint hearted. Simply, they are physically and emotionally agonising. So suffering two in as many years is unimaginable. Many would have likely thrown in the towel after enduring such devastation, but not in this case. Dan Carter is made of strong stuff. Despite having missed most of the last two seasons, Carter has very much remained at the heart of Arsenal. This speaks volumes as to not only her importance as a player, but also to her character, both as a team member and as an individual. Carter’s positive outlook on the pitch seems to be reflected off of it, and certainly, she will be missed as her eleven-year tenure at Meadow Park comes to an end. What Carter leaves behind is more than just a legacy. She wraps up her time with the Gunners having scored sixty goals in 184 appearances. A mammoth three league titles, five Conti Cups and four FA Cups under her belt. Taking a look back at Carter’s Arsenal career, it is clear to see that she has been instrumental in their success over the past decade. Danielle Carter Carter is a fine dribbler of the ball. With complete control, she twists and turns, dips and dodges, sending defenders into all sorts of frenzies as she goes. Her movement is spellbinding; a delight for the viewer, a nightmare for the opposition. Impossibly quick footwork means she outwits defensive lines with ease, routinely taking risks and creating chances to put the Gunners ahead. Her accuracy is spot on. When she is on goal, you can bet she is hitting the target. She is intelligent in her positioning, and her runs often see her on the end of a cross or a through ball. Yet Carter’s immense finish means she does not need to be in the box to sink one past the keeper. When it comes to long range shots, Carter fires them like a cannon. In fact, her two hat tricks in four appearances for England tells you all you need to know about Carter’s goalscoring abilities. A striker of Carter’s quality should be playing, and playing regularly; and herein lies the problem. Coming back into an Arsenal side and competing for a place against decidedly esteemed forwards is a tall order, but even more so after such a prolonged period off the field. Overcoming two years of anguish, Carter deserves game time, but unfortunately, this is no longer a guarantee at Arsenal. Is Carter’s departure gutting? Undoubtably so. But is it a wise move? Absolutely. Having not had the opportunity to play out a final game, this is a bittersweet goodbye. However, although it may not have ended with a bang, her influence will certainly not fizzle. What she has achieved, but more importantly what she has given, will not be forgotten, and she leaves with her head held high. As the saying goes, once a Gunner always a Gunner. At 27, Carter has plenty more to give, and plenty more time to shine once again. And one thing is for certain, whichever team Carter finds herself at next, will have landed themselves someone rather special. *Carter has since joined Reading.